Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Comparison of Supersaturation Outputs from Different Programs and Their Application in Testing Correspondence with
Adrián Rodriguez1,2, Tamara da Silva Cunha3, Allen L Rodgers4
1U.O.C. Nefrologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia.
Abstract:
Relative supersaturation (SS) for calcium oxalate (CaOx), calcium phosphate (CaP), and uric acid (UA) has been used for assessing urinary crystallization and estimated by programs, including EQUIL, Joint Expert Speciation System (JESS), and Lithorisk. We compared outputs from these programs and their correspondence with stone composition. SS of CaOx, CaP, and UA, using EQUIL, JESS, and Lithorisk were calculated from stone-forming patients. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to ascertain the correspondence between the outputs. Fractional regression models evaluated the relationship between SS and the percentage of each compound in the stones. Two hundred eleven patients were included. Pearson correlation coefficients for CaOx (r ≥ 0.96), CaP (r ≥ 0.99), and UA SS (r ≥ 0.99) showed a high correspondence between all programs. We observed a significant correspondence between CaOx SS and the percentage of CaOx dihydrate in the stone (p < 0.001), as well as between the percentage of brushite and apatite and CaP SS. UA SS showed the strongest correspondence with the percentage of UA in the stones (p < 0.001). Good correlation between EQUIL, JESS, and Lithorisk was observed and good correspondence with stone composition. The magnitude of the association demonstrated by fractional regression models supports evidence for applying SS in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Renal Drug Clearance: Comparison Between Renal Excretion Methods
Renal clearance is often associated with the renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which represents the rate at which plasma is filtered through the glomeruli in the kidney. When drug reabsorption is minimal and there is no active secretion, renal clearance is closely related to the...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention

